In an effort to promote the ongoing strength of Israeli technology and the strong investment opportunities in Israel for American companies, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon delivered the keynote address via video conference at the second "Investment In Israel Technology" conference held in Santa Clara, California on March 15th. So reports Business correspondent Seth Vogelman. Sharon's address reinforced the proven track record of Israeli technology and attempted to allay socio-political concerns of doing business in Israel. The keynote speech, which was followed by a dialogue between American business leaders and the Prime Minister, marked the first time Sharon addressed an American audience since becoming Prime Minister. During 2000, Israeli start-up companies attracted more than $3.2 billion in financing, primarily from US sources, an increase of approximately 300% over 1999. The conference highlighted 35 prominent Israeli start up technologies companies, and was planned by - among other organizations - the Israel Export Institute, Lehman Brothers, Bank Leumi, Argoquest, the Santa Clara and the California Israel Chamber of Commerce.